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Ask an expert advisor

A home theater receiver that looks right at home

The NR1603 is the right size to fit comfortably on just about any bookshelf or TV stand. This full-featured model measures only half the height of many surround sound receivers, yet it boasts all the clean power you need to drive five speakers, and enough inputs to connect a full complement of A/V sources. Even though it's rated at an understated 50 watts per channel, the NR1603's high-quality amplification is a great match for most room sizes, speakers and listening preferences.

Convenient switching for HD gear

Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and HD satellite, cable and DVR boxes all go well with the NR1603. HDMI switching lets you send all your high-def digital video sources through a single connection to your TV, making hookup a breeze. Marantz takes the extra step of carefully isolating this unit's internal audio and video circuit boards. This ensures ultra-high signal purity for rich, enveloping surround sound with all your movies, music, TV shows, and video games. And the latest decoding delivers the master-quality sound that comes with most of today's Blu-ray discs.

Unleash your iTunes® music with AirPlay®

Apple's exciting AirPlay technology lets you access your favorite music from your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, or your iTunes library on your computer using this Marantz receiver. You'll be able to control iTunes and see music information, including your album art, track titles, and artist info on your compatible Apple device, or on your TV. AirPlay requires a wireless home network and a wired connection between the receiver and network.

Bluetooth® and HD camcorder friendly

Add Marantz's Bluetooth receiver and play music wirelessly from your compatible cell phone or computer from up to 30 feet away. Marantz's own M-DAX™ audio expansion circuitry recognizes the frequencies that get lost in compressed music files and restores them for better sound. And a front-panel HDMI input makes watching your latest home video a simple matter. Even when the receiver is off, the audio and video pass right on through to your connected HDTV.

Flexibility is key

The NR 1603 puts seven channels of power at your disposal. The two back surround channels are "assignable" to meet any one of several home entertainment functions. You can use them to drive back channels for engulfing surround realism once found only in movie theaters. You could get better performance from your compatible, bi-ampable front speakers to deliver a second set of speaker wires to drive them to new heights. Or power a pair of speakers or a set of wireless headphones to enjoy music in the kitchen or patio, even while family enjoys the movie in your theater room.

Built-in setup

Marantz uses Audyssey MultEQ® Auto Calibration to take the hassle out of speaker configuration. Just plug in the included microphone and place it in up to six listening positions. The NR1603 uses a series of test tones to balance speaker levels and fine-tune the delay and equalization settings for each speaker. The result is optimized home theater performance for your specific speakers and room. And Audyssey Dynamic Volume monitors the system to cut those surprise bursts of volume from commercials down to size. Plus, this receiver comes with a built-in first-time setup assistant that walks you through the process step by step.

Receivers: Your ticket to sensational sound

Your receiver powers your speakers and lets you connect and select your entertainment sources. But a great receiver does a lot more  it ignites your emotions. From the passion of a favorite musical artist, to the crossfire of a super-charged movie soundtrack, to the intensity and immersion of a fast-paced video game, your receiver is the key to experiencing and enjoying it in full.

Product Research

Audio Features

7-Channel Discrete Amplifier: The Marantz NR1603 is equipped with a
power amplifier that reproduces high-fidelity sound in surround mode with equal
quality and power for all channels, true to the original sound. The power
amplifier circuit adopts a discrete-circuit configuration that achieves
high-quality surround sound reproduction. The 7 channel amplifier is rated at 50 watts
with 2 channels driven (20-20kHz, 8-ohms, 0.08% THD).

Amplifier Assignment: The NR1603 supports up to 7.1 channels
(Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R, Surround Back L/R, and SW) for surround
playback defined by the Blu-ray disc format. The seven amplifier channels built
into the receiver are typically used for 7.1 channel surround in the main room,
but there are various amplifier configurations to accommodate your home theater
setup:

Normal: The NR1603 is designed to be used as a 7.1ch
surround sound receiver with front left/right, center-channel, surround
left/right, and surround back left/right channels along with a preamp
subwoofer output.

Bi-Amp: You can configure the amplifier for front
bi-amp operation to achieve a higher-quality 2-channel sound by connecting
the receiver's front and surround back channels to your main front speakers
(if compatible). Receiver will be limited to 5.1ch surround.

Front B: A second set of front speakers can be powered
by the surround back amplifier. Receiver will be limited to 5.1ch surround.

Front Height: To enjoy Dolby Pro Logic IIz you can
reassign the power amp from the two surround back channels to the two front
height channels for better front effects.

Zone2: The surround back channel amplifier can also be
assigned to power stereo speakers in Zone2. Receiver will be limited to
5.1ch surround.

High Current Power Supply: The Marantz NR1603 AV surround receiver
employs a high current linear power supply with an EI core power transformer for
high-quality sound playback.

Isolated Audio Circuit Board: The carefully-optimized audio signal
path rests on a separate circuit board for maximum performance as well as
isolation from interferences generated by high speed video processing.

24-bit/192-kHz DACs: The Marantz NR1603
utilizes a 192 kHz/24 bit D/A converter on each of the unit's seven channels for
exceptional sound quality. The 192kHz sampling and 24-bit word length
capabilities of the DACs allows you to play
high-resolution recordings and hear the increased clarity, detail and dynamic
range of those recordings.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP): The Marantz NR1603 is
equipped with a high-resolution Analog Devices (ADSP21487) 32-bit Digital Signal
Processor (DSP). All elements of the Surround Processor are optimized to the
highest standards by the use of selected high performance and discrete
components, particularly the A/D and D/A converters and the sophisticated DSP
surround decoder. The SR6007 is equipped with various surround modes to
reproduce a variety of surround sound effects, according to the content of the
source to be played. The receiver features Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS and
DTS-HD decoding; as well as offers Dolby Pro Logic II (x/z) audio processing.

Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be
selected if your audio source is connected to the A/V receiver via a digital
audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). To enjoy true 7.1ch Dolby
Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound, the receiver must be connected to
your Blu-ray player via HDMI.

Audyssey MultEQ: Audyssey MultEQ technology helps create an
optimal acoustic profile for your home theater. Using the included setup
microphone, Audyssey MultEQ measures sound levels and adjusts speaker
configuration accordingly, making setup fast and easy. This room acoustic
measuring and correction system analyzes (via the included microphone) the audio
characteristics of your speaker system and your listening environment at up to 6
measurement points and automatically tailors the sound for top audio fidelity.
You can set the Audyssey MultEQ to one of the following modes.

Audyssey: Optimizes the crossover point, output level,
delay time, and equalization of all speakers based on speaker frequency
response, speaker location, and room acoustics.

Dynamic EQ: Audio engineers mix music and movie soundtracks
at reference levels much louder than typical home listening levels. At lower
volumes the human ear perceives sound differently; voices change, bass
dissipates, and the surround effect becomes less enveloping. Dynamic EQ adjusts
the frequency response curve based on volume to maintain consistent bass output,
octave-to-octave balance, and surround impact, resulting in rich sound at any
volume. You can set the Dynamic EQ to 0, 5, 10, or 15 dB.

Audyssey Dynamic Volume: Audyssey Dynamic Volume solves the
problem of large variations in volume level between television programs,
commercials, and between the soft and loud passages of movies. Dynamic Volume
addresses the issue of commercials that are too loud and movie soundtracks with
vast differences between soft and loud passages; the results are more
intelligible dialogue, loud passages maintain impact, and soft whispers are
heard clearly. When the volume level changes, Dynamic EQ also adjusts the
frequency response to maintain sound quality. You can set the Dynamic Volume to
Day (low), Evening (middle), Midnight (high), or off.

Surround Parameters: You can adjust the following surround
mode parameters:

Dolby Pro Logic II Music Settings: While listening in
the Dolby Pro Logic II Music format, there are three further enhancements
you can adjust:

Panorama: Broadens the front stereo image to the
surround speakers to provide a wraparound effect, especially effective
when there is limited output from the surround channels, panorama can be
turned on/off in the menu.

Dimension: Allows you to move the sound field
forward or backward.

Center Width: Allows you to adjust the width of the
center channel.

Center Image: In the Neo:6 Music mode, the Center Image
feature adjusts the output of the left and right channels relative to the
center channel, allowing you to make the center channel more or less
dominant as needed. This improves the image of the center channel,
especially when the listener is off-center. Adjustment varies from 7
(nothing subtracted from the L/R channels) to 0 (L/R channel output is cut
in half).

Source Direct: In this mode the 2ch audio signal is
played in its original form, without any surround or tone processing.
Multichannel audio signal is played in its original form, without any tone
processing.

Pure Direct: This mode is for playback in higher sound
quality than in Direct mode. The display and analog video circuitry are
turned off to minimize the possibility of any noise being added to the
signal.

M-DAX: Compressed audio formats such as MP3, WMA
(Windows Media Audio) and MPEG-4 AAC reduce the amount of data by eliminating
signal components that are hard for the human ear to hear. The M-DAX function
generates the signals eliminated upon compression, restoring the sound to
conditions near those of the original sound before compression. It also corrects
the sense of volume of the bass to obtain richer sound with compressed audio
signals.

HT-EQ: The tonal balance of
a film soundtrack will be excessively bright and harsh when played back over
audio equipment in the home. This is because film soundtracks were designed to
be played back in large movie theater environments. Activating the receiver's
HT-EQ feature when watching a film made from movie theaters corrects this and
restores the correct tonal balance.

Dynamic Range Compression (DRC): Motion picture soundtracks
have tremendous dynamic range (the contrast between very soft and very loud
sounds). For listening late at night, or whenever the maximum sound level is
lower than usual, Compressing the dynamic range allows you to hear all of the
sounds in the soundtrack with reduced dynamic range. DRC works when playing
program sources recorded in Dolby Digital or DTS.

Tone Settings: You can independently adjust the system's
overall Bass and Treble settings from -6 to +6 dB. You can also fade the sound
from front to rear, or vice-versa.

Level Adjustments: The NR1603 provides the following level
adjustments.

Source Level: This function adjusts the playback level
of the currently selected input source's audio input. Use this feature if
there are differences in the input volume levels between different sources.
You can correct the playback level of the audio input from -12 to +12dB.

Dialogue Level: You can adjust the output level
(+/-12dB) to clarify the dialogue output from the center channel.

Subwoofer Level: You can set the receiver's subwoofer
output level (+/-12dB) independent from the other speaker levels and
system's main volume.

Volume Settings: The NR1603 offers the following volume
settings.

Volume Scale: You can
choose to display an Absolute volume scale (0-98) or Relative volume scale
(-79.5 to 18dB).

Volume Limit: You can set a maximum volume level of 0dB
(80), -10dB (70), or -20dB (60) to limit the receiver's total volume output.

Turn-On Volume: You can define the volume setting that
is active when the power is turned on (0, 1-98, -79 to +18dB, or Last)

Mute Level: You can set the amount of attenuation for the audio
muting circuit; -40dB or -20dB below current volume, or full mute (sound
turned off entirely).

Tone Control: You can adjust the receiver's Bass and Treble
(+/-6db)
independently to suit your listening taste or room acoustics.

Front pre-Out: The AV receiver is equipped with
a pair of Front Pre-Outs, so you can connect a more powerful amplifier to
power your system's main speakers.

Mono-Sub Pre-Out: The AV receiver features a mono-subwoofer
preamp output (LFE) to connect a powered subwoofer for a complete 7.1
channel surround sound.

Headphone Output: The receiver features a 1/4" stereo headphone jack
on its front panel for connecting a pair of optional headphones. The unit's
speakers will automatically be turned off when a set of headphones are
connected.

Video Features

HDMI (v1.4a): With six HDMI v.1.4a inputs (5 rear/1 front), the NR1603
allows you to route multiple high-definition devices--like game consoles and
Blu-ray players--to your TV. It also allows you to connect all of your devices
to your TV with a single HDMI cable (via its HDMI monitor output), reducing
cable clutter. The HDMI inputs are assignable to different input sources. They
support HDCP copyright protection and are compatible with 3D signals, ARC, Deep
Color, xvYCC technology, Auto LipSync, and HDMI control.

Analog Video Inputs: The receiver features 3 composite video
inputs and one composite video monitor output. There is also
two component video inputs (60MHz) and one component video output.

Analog-to-HDMI Conversion w/ Video Scaling (1080p): The
NR1603is equipped with a flexible video switching system that converts
incoming analog video signals to HDMI, so only one video connection is required
from the receiver to the TV. The 480i/480p (SD-quality), 720p, and 1080i video
signals input as component or composite video can be converted to HDMI and
scaled as high as 1080p resolution (output resolution set in the menu).

3D Pass-Through: With the advent of 3D media, it is
important to own a receiver that recognizes 3D video signals. The NR1603 is able
to pass through 3D signals from your Blu-ray player, ensuring that the 3D effect
doesn't get lost in translation. It also recognizes signals from 3D television
broadcasts. By connecting a 3D-compliant Blu-ray disc player and 3D-compliant TV
to the NR1603, you will have a 3D home theater where you can enjoy
high-definition sound and video on a level you've never experienced before.

ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be
sent from your compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable
already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the
need for extra cables connected to your television.

Deep Color & x.v.Color Support: The NR1603 also supports
Deep Color and x.v.Color content, which can display a larger color range than
standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.

Auto LipSync: This feature automatically compensates for the
timing shift between the audio and video of the receiver. If needed, the audio
signal can be manually delayed to match the video signal; adjust from 0-200ms.

HDMI Standby Pass-Through: When enabling the HDMI Standby
Pass-Through function, regardless of whether the AV receiver is "On" or in
"Standby" both audio/video streams from an HDMI input will be output to your
television, via the receiver's HDMI monitor output. You can select between three
HDMI through function modes.

HDMI Input: Selects the HDMI Input (1-6) for which the
HDMI Standby Pass-Through function is enabled.

Last: The HDMI Standby-Through function is activated on
the input source selected at the time of setting the AV receiver to the
"Standby" mode.

Off: The HDMI Standby Pass-Through function is
disabled.

Video Mode: You can select between 3 video processing
settings.

Auto: Processes video automatically based on the HDMI
content information.

Video Select Function: You can switch the video input source
on the receiver while listening to a different audio signal.

Network & Tuner Functions

Network Connection: The Marantz NR1603 is equipped with an
Ethernet (RJ-45) port that lets you connect the receiver to your home network
(LAN) and your broadband internet provider. When connected to your home network,
the NR1603 lets you listen to Internet radio and a host of other online music
sources from your broadband internet provider, as well as play audio files &
display still images from your computer via its network connection (DLNA 1.5
certified). The NR1603 also supports AirPlay that lets you stream your music
library from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or iTunes.

DLNA 1.5 Certified: The NR1603 is DLNA (Digital Living
Network Alliance) 1.5 and Windows 7 compliant for audio and photo networking.
This means it's easier for you to access and enjoy digital music and
still-images (JPEG) stored on your Windows PC. You can use your PC to play
high-bit rate music content through the A/V receiver and view still-images on
your connected TV, or use the NR1603's remote control to browse music & photo
files on your hard drive. The receiver also supports ID3-Tag (ver.2) and META
tag information; so song title, artist name, and album name can be displayed the
unit's front-panel display or on-screen menu. In addition the unit will display
Album Art on a connected television. The Marantz NR1603 supports the following
audio formats, sampling frequencies, and bit rates via its wired network
connection.

Compatible Audio Formats

Sampling
Frequencies

Bit rate

Extension

WMA (Windows
Media Audio)

32/44.1/48 kHz

48-192 kbps

.wma

MP3 (MPEG-1
Audio Layer-3)

32/44.1/48 kHz

32-320 kbps

.mp3

WAV

32/44.1/48 kHz

16-bit

.wav

MPEG-4 AAC

32/44.1/48 kHz

16-320 kbps

.aac/.m4a/.mp4

FLAC (Free
Lossless Audio Codec)

32/44.1/48/96
kHz

16/20/24-bit

.flac

Note: Your computer must meet the following system
requirements - Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service or Windows Media
DRM10. Album Art is only displayed when using Windows Media Player
(ver.11/12).

Online Services: The Marantz NR1603 lets you access Internet
Radio, as well as other online music and photo services from your broadband
Internet connection. Currently the NR1603 supports Internet Radio from vTuner,
Pandora, and SiriusXM; as well as the Flickr online photo sharing site (as of
6/20/2012). The Marantz receiver offers on-screen menu display and control over
these web services.

The online vTuner
service which offers easy browsing of internet radio stations and
podcasts. vTuner enables access to web-based radio stations and
podcasts via an extremely reliable online database with a wide
variety of content. Internet Radio stations in MP3 (32-320kbps) and
WMA (48-192kbps) format are supported. You can browse content by
Genre, Location, Language, and Favorites. You can store up to 56
Internet Radio stations as presets. The unit will automatically save
up to 20 of the most recently played stations.

Once the network audio
player is registered with your Pandora account, you can listen to
the automated music recommendation and Internet Radio service. You
can create up to 100 personalized radio stations. You can sort
tracks within these radio stations. You can skip up to 6 tracks that
are being played back within 1 hour. You can also
thumbs-up/thumbs-down and bookmark tracks. In Pandora, you can
search for the track name or artist name using "keyword" searches.
When the search is complete, tracks that have a similar rhythm or
sound are streamed.

Flickr is an online
photograph sharing service that started in 2004. You can use this
unit to view photographs on a connected TV that have been made
public by Flickr users. You will need to setup an Flickr account to
download, upload, and view photographs.

Favorites: You can add up to 100 items as "Favorites" from
Internet Radio, online music services, and your media server for easier, quicker
access.

FM Tuner: The Marantz AV receiver features a built-in FM
tuner with 56 station auto-preset or manual memory tuning. You can create an
8-character name for each preset station. You can even directly enter a station
number using the receiver's on-screen menu and remote control. This receiver has
no AM tuner.

Web Control: You can control this A/V receiver from a web
control screen on your Windows PC's web browser. The NR1603 and your PC must be
connected to the same home network.

Software Updates: Using the receiver's network/internet
connection, you can check for and update the latest firmware from the online
Marantz server. Visit
Marantz's Owner's Circle for access to downloads to keep the Marantz
receiver up-to-date. The tested Marantz NR1603 contained firmware version
1490-0187-0000-0060-5295 and needed an immediate firmware update (as of
6/20/2012).

USB/iPod Integration

USB Port: A USB memory device can be connected to the USB
(type-A) port located on the front-panel, allowing you to play various music
files and JPEG still-image files through the receiver. The USB memory device
must be mass storage class (msc) or media transfer protocol (mtp) compliant, and
be formatted in FAT16 or FAT32 (up to 2TB). The unit can recognize up to 500 folders and
5,000 files. In addition to music and still-image playback, the A/V receiver
supports basic playback control, song/artist information display, and charging
of your connected USB mass storage class device. The Marantz NR1603 supports the
following audio formats, sampling frequencies, and bit rates via its USB
(type-A) connection.

Compatible Audio Formats

Sampling
Frequencies

Bit rate

Extension

WMA (Windows
Media Audio)

32/44.1/48 kHz

48-192 kbps

.wma

MP3 (MPEG-1
Audio Layer-3)

32/44.1/48 kHz

32-320 kbps

.mp3

WAV

32/44.1/48 kHz

16-bit

.wav

MPEG-4 AAC

32/44.1/48 kHz

16-320 kbps

.aac/.m4a/.mp4

FLAC (Free
Lossless Audio Codec)

32/44.1/48/96
kHz

16/20/24-bit

.flac

Note: USB memory device will not work via a Hub.
It is not possible to connect and use a computer via the unit's USB port
using a USB cable.

iPod/iPhone Direct: With its front-panel USB (type-A) port,
the NR1603 supports digital music playback from an iPod or iPhone. Using a
USB-to-iPod Dock cable plugged into the front-panel USB port, music can be
played directly from your iPod/iPhone, bypassing the iPod/iPhone's D/A
converter. The iPod/iPhone can be controlled by the receiver's remote, or you
can continue to use the iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen. Song/artist
information, Album Art, and elapsed playing time appear on the NR1603's
on-screen display. Your iPod/iPhone's battery will also be charged while
connected to the receiver. The NR1603 is "made for iPod/iPhone compatible" and
supports the following iPod/iPhone models and functions via its front-panel USB
port (as of 1/11/2013):

iPod/iPhone Model

Generation

Tested Version

Media Type

Control Type

Display Type

AirPlay

Charge

Audio

Video

Remote

iPod/iPhone

Album Art

Artist/Song Text

Track Info

video

5th

1.3

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

classic

80GB

1.1.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

120GB

2.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

160GB

2.0.4

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

nano

1st

1.3.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

2nd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

3rd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

4th

1.0.4

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

5th

1.0.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

6th

1.2 PC

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

7th

1.02 PC

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

touch

1st

2.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

2nd

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

3rd

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4th

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

5th

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

iPhone

2G

3.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

3G

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

3GS

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4S

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

5

6.0.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

iPad

1

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

2

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

3

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

4

6.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

iPad mini

1

6.0.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is
available.

AirPlay Compatible: AirPlay lets you stream your favorite
songs directly from your iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad, or from your iTunes
library on your PC or Mac to the Marantz NR1603, over your home network
connection. By downloading
Apple's free "Remote" application onto your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad you
don't even need to be in the same room as the components or your computer to
play, pause, skip, and stop the songs in your iTunes music library. You will
even see the iTunes music information, including your track titles and artist
info via the Marantz receiver's on-screen menu (via HDMI).

Note: To use the AirPlay feature you need a Mac or
Windows-based PC running iTunes (10.1 or later) connected to your wireless
home network. Your iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad must have iOS 4.2 or later
installed and connected to the same wireless home network.

Convenience Features

Slim Design Chassis w/ Contoured Front-Panel: The
Marantz NR1603 A/V Surround Receiver features a slim designed chassis which
measures only 17.3125" wide x 4.125" tall x 15.5625" deep so it easily fits on a
shelf or inside a cabinet. The Marantz NR1603 features a contoured front-panel that combines aluminum
and glass-reinforced resins for maximum shielding, dimensional stability, and
sophisticated styling. The front panel is clean, precise, and inviting. Volume
and input selection knobs flank a rectangular volume/source display.

On-Screen Menu w/ Setup Wizard (via HDMI): The AV receiver's
on-screen menu provides quick information about your system's settings. You can easily make settings for your home theater system
while viewing menus on the TV screen. Simple settings are enabled with the
setting menus displayed on the TV screen. The Marantz NR1603 features an on-screen Setup Wizard
that provides easy-to-follow setup instructions.
When you control the sound volume, the
volume level is displayed on the screen, and when you switch the input source,
the name of the input source is displayed. These menu displays can only be output to
your TV via HDMI. If you connect the receiver to your television via only
composite video, you will need to use the A/V receiver's front-panel display for
menu and source adjustments.

Zone 2: Marantz's Zone 2 function lets you select a
different audio source for listening in a second location of your home (powered
output only, there is no line-level Zone2 output). The NR1603 features a Main
Zone (audio/video) and Zone2 (audio only). The Main Zone offers 7.1-channel
playback of your audio/video gear in your main entertainment room. Zone 2 allows
stereo audio playback of another source connected to the receiver in another
room of your home via speaker level outputs. When using the NR1603 to power
speakers in a second room of your home, the main zone is restricted to
5.1-channels.

Compatible Zone Sources: Only tuner, analog, USB, and
Network sources can be played in Zone 2. You cannot select different AM/FM radio
stations or different Network content for different zones. To hear AirPlay in
Zone 2, you must first start playing Airplay in the Main Zone. Once you have
selected AirPlay in Zone 2, you can then switch the source of the Main Zone.

Incompatible Zone Sources: It is not possible to play the
digital audio signals from the HDMI, Coaxial, or Optical terminals in Zone 2.
Video cannot be sent to Zone 2.

Source Rename/Delete: You can change the display name (up to
8 characters) of a selected input source. If an input isn't being used, you can
delete it from the display so you don't have to scroll past it when you change
sources.

Panel Lock: To prevent
accidental operation of this unit, you can disable operation of the buttons on
the front-panel.

Dual Backup Memory Function: This receiver stores its settings in a
nonvolatile memory even when the main power supply is turned off. Using the Dual
Backup Memory function, you can write settings information to another memory
area to back up saved settings for recovery anytime as needed.

Last Function Memory: This function stores the settings
which were made before going into the standby mode. When the power is turned
back on, the settings are restored.

Sleep Timer: This function allows you to automatically set
the power to standby after a predetermined amount of time has passed; set the
sleep timer up to 120 minutes in 10 minute increments.

Auto Standby: The unit enters standby mode automatically
when no commands are sent to the unit for the set time (30 or 60 minutes).
Before it enters the standby mode, "Auto Standby" is displayed on the
front-panel display of this unit and the on-screen menu.

Remote/Bluetooth Control

IR Remote Control: The Marantz NR1603 comes with an
IR wireless remote control that can operate this receiver only. The remote
control features Glow keys so it can easily be used in the dark.

HDMI Control: The Marantz NR1603 can control select external
audio/video components connected via HDMI which support HDMI control. When you
make an HDMI connection with a TV or player compatible with the NR1603's HDMI
control function, you can perform the operations from the NR1603's remote
control; Power off, Switching of audio output devices, Switching of audio input
devices, Volume adjustment, and Playback functions.

Remote Connections: The Marantz NR1603 is fitted with the
following custom remote inputs/outputs.

Remote In/Out: These RCA input/output connectors allow you
to connect the NR1603 to a Marantz component equipped with remote control (RC-5)
terminals.

Flasher In: This 3.5mm input is used to control the NR1603
from an external key-pad (sold separately)

Marantz Remote App: The Marantz Remote App lets you control the
Marantz Network A/V receiver using your Apple iOS (4.3 or later) or Android
device. This free Remote App lets you control the Marantz A/V receiver's basic
functions (power, volume, input, surround modes) from your Apple iOS or Android
device. The multi-zone control page of the Remote App lets you adjust power,
volume and input selection for all zones from a single screen (when applicable).
You can even navigate the A/V receiver's network and Internet content from your
compatible Apple iOS or Android device. For added convenience, there are eight
customizable home screen short cut buttons that allow you to tailor the look and
function of the Marantz Remote App to suit your needs.

Note: Download the free Marantz Remote App from the
iTunes App Store
for the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad (iOS 4.3 or later).
Or, download the free Marantz Remote App from the
Android Market
for your compatible Android device (1.5-up). The AV
receiver will need to be connected to the same network as your Apple iOS or
Android device.

Bluetooth Adapter (optional): Through its proprietary M-Xport, the NR1603
offers Bluetooth capability. Simply add the optional RX101 Bluetooth adaptor (642RX101,
sold separately) to the NR1603 and you can play the music stored on any
Bluetooth-enabled portable device (your iPhone, iPod Touch, or PDA for example)
through your home theater system. The optional RX101 doubles as an IR (infrared)
receiver so you can place all your components out of sight and still maintain
full remote control.

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team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record
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Nice receiver

For the money, this is a very nice receiver. I use it strictly for audio so I haven't used the video portion. One downside is the iOS app used to control it is very difficult to use and not very robust. Crashes a lot.

Marantz NR1603

This receiver was easy to set up and has great sound. The auto speaker balance feature adjusts the sound perfectly. The remote has only the necessary buttons including a convenient set up button. The receiver has good dimensions and looks very neat. Since it does not have the wi-fi feature, I also installed a power line adapter to have access to my network.

Very Pleased

Due to a combination of advancing age & the new crop of actors mumbling their lines I was having trouble understanding the dialog on several BR movies. My first step was to upgrade my front speakers which helped a lot, but brought some issues with them. They were so bright that I had trouble trying to get a balanced sound.

So, even though my NR1501 is less than 3 years old I upgraded to the NR1603 in the hope that Audyssey would help give me a clear, balanced sound. It achieved that & my satisfaction with my sound system has gone up several notches.

Pros:The sound output from my system, the size of the unit & the quality of the build.

Cons:The only criticism I have is the no printed manual issue. However a few minutes with the laser printer fixed that. I have no interest in streaming anything or connecting to the web, so I won't be able to make any judgements on those features.

Happy, happy, happy!

Being new to the AV world, I did the research first, then talked with my adviser Ringo to get his expertise. I told him that Marantz was big back in my day; he assured me that it's STILL big today. He was right too. This ones probably the best in its class with more than enough power to drive my Polk TL 1600 system. The sound can only be described as warm and rich; you could close your eyes and swear you were listening to a tube amp; it's that good!

I had a minor problem with Netflix audio through the receiver. My technical adviser walked me through it in short order. Save yourself the grief folks and buy from Crutchfield; you're not going to get tech support like this from Amazon.

For Amusement

After researching reviews of amps in my price range I'm glad and delighted by my investment. Not big and cumbersome with plenty of power to drive the Mirages 5.1 set. New to owning home theater I am starting to watch tv more. Plenty happy.

HUGE Improvement to my Home Theater Sound System

Written By RJR, Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I searched for months trying to find a replacement A/V receiver for my 6.1 channel Onkyo TX-DS787, which was 100w per channel. I decided to upgrade to a 7.1 channel setup. I read a lot of reviews and information online about the Marantz, and I do own older Marantz receivers that I use around the house. I decided on the NR1603 for the 7.1 channel sound, HDMI switching, and apparent "ease of setup". Once I installed 2 additional surround speakers for my 7.1 channel system, I couldn't wait to plug in this receiver and see what it could do. The set up really is easy. I don't think I ever figured out all of the features of my Onkyo - it was too complicated for me even after reading all of the manuals, etc. This Marantz couldn't be easier. The speaker calibration took around 20 mins or so. BTW- I'm using Paradigm Monitor speakers for my front L/R. I have a Paradigm center channel, Paradigm Atom rear surrounds, and a pair of Polk speakers for my mid-surrounds, and an SVS subwoofer. My room is about 9'x18'. I was a bit concerned that this receiver only put out about 60w per channel, but I can't even get up to 70% or so without it being too loud, and I like LOUD movie soundtracks like in the theater or IMAX.

Truly amazing receiver. The sound is incredible - even with a 5.1 source or even digital cable. Very happy with this item.

Marantz NR1603 sounds good, looks good

The other day we rearranged the A/V equipment in our living room, and I brought my 70's vintage Yamaha receiver out of the cabinet and put it where a VCR/DVD unit had been. Shortly afterward, my wife said "I'm tired of looking at that big old ugly thing. I want something newer, slimmer and better looking." I was crushed -- then I realized she wasn't talking about me. ;-) Great, I thought! I get to buy new stereo equipment and call it a Christmas gift! Compared to other units in this price range, this Marantz trades a bit of excess power for a more compact form factor, clean looking design, and a brand name with a reputation for focusing on sound quality. I didn't take off a star for lack of WiFi, as the units I compared it to didn't have it either. But come on, AVR makers. If Roku can include Wireless "n" on a $50 media streamer, you're frustrating a lot of customers by not including at least that level of wireless support on $650 receivers. And you should make it dual band, while you're at it. I was able to run an Ethernet cable from my Sonos Connect box, thankfully. I am bi-amped a pair of floorstanding speakers, and I was able to jam the gold-plated solid plugs on the wire ends into the screw-down connectors on back of the AVR. Not the most convenient connectors, but should be secure. After the setup wizard, I did the amp assignment per the Owner's Manual on the Marantz site and went through the Audyssey calibration again. It sounds very nice!

Pros:Sounds very natural. Slim form factor and elegant design look good in a living room. FM radio has good reception. Firmware update adds Spotify support. You can set groups of favorite internet radio stations through a website, and control it through an Android app. You can control it through a web browser, which is easier if you can reserve an IP address for it on your router. Enough power for movie night or parties in average sized living rooms.

Cons:No WiFi, no AM radio. For the old timers, no phono input or tape in/out. Turning it on with the remote turns off my Magnavox TV, and hitting the remote's "Enter" button brings up my TV's "Info" screen on top of what the receiver is displaying. Maybe someday all internet-capable AVRs will be as easy-to-use as a Sonos system (where you control everything with one app that looks the same on a computer, tablet, or phone), but will add inputs, speaker connections, and automatic equalization.

Marantz NR1603

So far, the Marantz is a really amazing product. The setup was nice and straightforward. My only real comment is the performance of the AirPlay seems really spotty, but that could be because I haven't looked into it, much. All, in all, I'm very happy with my purchase.